Possible.
But why use a German/Brazilian company's offerings and have a prime mover that is different from the rest of your fleet (I doubt the MTU locomotives use parts from GE, ALCo/FM, EMD engines... although a little "yankee enginuity" could rectify that catch)? As we've discussed on the HO forum (before the merger), it makes more economic sense for shortlines to have ONE type of prime movier (or one manufacturer) in their fleets, not only in terms of spare parts, but also in terms of "down time" when the unit is OOS (out of service) in the shop.
Although, there are those who seek something different sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't (look at the SP and D&RGW who tried the Krause-Maffi units, or the SP's Sultzer powered U-boats...). Although, seeing as those MTU motors have a possible connection to Daimler-Benz (at least, that's what I gleaned from the thread, provided in the posting above), there might be decent parts availability and "tech support" when needed.
But, no, I think the "mystery loco" is powered by a domestic company. Either the PM is the original (rebuilt) or a new one from CAT or one of the other domestic companies.
What we need is some info. from someone "in the know." Any Pickens employees here?
But why use a German/Brazilian company's offerings and have a prime mover that is different from the rest of your fleet (I doubt the MTU locomotives use parts from GE, ALCo/FM, EMD engines... although a little "yankee enginuity" could rectify that catch)? As we've discussed on the HO forum (before the merger), it makes more economic sense for shortlines to have ONE type of prime movier (or one manufacturer) in their fleets, not only in terms of spare parts, but also in terms of "down time" when the unit is OOS (out of service) in the shop.
Although, there are those who seek something different sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't (look at the SP and D&RGW who tried the Krause-Maffi units, or the SP's Sultzer powered U-boats...). Although, seeing as those MTU motors have a possible connection to Daimler-Benz (at least, that's what I gleaned from the thread, provided in the posting above), there might be decent parts availability and "tech support" when needed.
But, no, I think the "mystery loco" is powered by a domestic company. Either the PM is the original (rebuilt) or a new one from CAT or one of the other domestic companies.
What we need is some info. from someone "in the know." Any Pickens employees here?
~Erik Paulson
Moderator: BNSF :: CN :: CP :: Rock Island :: Rebuilders & Small Loco Works :: Worldwide Railfan :: Western Railfan
Moderator: BNSF :: CN :: CP :: Rock Island :: Rebuilders & Small Loco Works :: Worldwide Railfan :: Western Railfan